Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Stepping up

Post 56

Martha, here.The American Heritage Dictionary of 1976 defines caretaker as “One that is employed to look after or take charge of goods, property, or a person.”Today’s Merriam Webster online dictionary defines it as “one that gives physical or emotional care and support”.Just like me to find a job after it becomes an unpaid position.

Although, Michael certainly doesn’t need caretaking, sometimes I have to step in.Say for example, we are heading out to dinner with friends. I’m standing in the driveway, balancing the mashed potatoes with one hand and opening the car door with the other. I have already gone back inside the house for keys.Now Michael remembers that we need the cell phone to call ahead to our hosts.

We are running late.Michael’s pills haven’t kicked in yet, and he’s been walking like a woman wearing a tight skirt.I know that it will take him five minutes to get upstairs for the cell phone.I volunteer to fetch it.After all, I have legs that go all the way to the ground.

Or, when I’m sitting in the dining room reading the grocery flyers, and all of a sudden, there is a rumbling upstairs.Michael’s unmedicated gait, a rapid beating on the floor above, sets the teacups in the corner cupboard a’tinklin’.Not much I can do but batten down the hatches and wait for the meds to kick in.

"Uh, oh." I think. I better make sure he didn't forget.

I walk to the base of the stairs and bellow, “Michael, did you take your meds?” Not too impressive as far as caretaking goes, is it?

About Me

In November 2008, Michael Spokane was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 52. In November 2010, he began writing about his experience with the disease in an effort to help himself and others.
Michael is interested in receiving and responding to your comments and feedback. Please feel free to join in.
Michael lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania with his wife. He has two grown children. He had a career in general contracting and finish carpentry and specialized in historic restoration.